Persistent knee problems have forced the former West Ham United and Wales midfielder Jack Collison to retire from football at the age 27. After making 121 appearances during an injury-hit time at West Ham, the midfielder moved to Peterborough in the summer hoping to kickstart his career. Collison made 12 appearances for the League One side but has now decided to call time on his playing career.

The midfielder, capped 17 times by Wales, dislocated a kneecap playing for West Ham in 2009 and will now focus on a coaching and media career.

“The nights I wake up in pain, or the mornings where I struggle to walk, will be a constant reminder I was lucky enough to play the game I love,” he told the Sun. “I still wake up some mornings feeling good and think: ‘One more try.’ But that would be unfair on myself, my fellow pros and my family. I want to bow out with some pride intact.”

In a statement, Collison added: “I have had plenty of time to mull this over and have not acted hastily in this decision and I must say that Peterborough United have acted with class throughout. They have allowed me to make the easy transition from playing to coaching without any issues and I now intend to repay their faith by helping the next generation make the step from young up and coming, to first-team superstar.

“My passion for playing is slowly dying out but my passion for football is burning ever so strong and I intend to stay within the game and make my mark in other areas. I am currently completing my coaching badges whilst managing the Posh U18s, and I love watching my own soccer school flourish.

“I have other interests as well, including a university degree in sports writing and a Miami venture which I am also very excited about. Although football has made me the man I am today it doesn’t define me and I am very optimistic about the future.”